FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 4, 2007) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) has collaborated with the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission (NJIIAHC) to distribute “The Universality of Italian Heritage Curriculum” – 28 lessons plans for grades K-12.

“The Universality of Italian Heritage Curriculum” was designed to demonstrate that Italian and Italian-American heritage and culture is an integral part of the development of American society and Western civilization.

Topics of the lesson plans include literature, art, science and social issues. The curriculum, materials, and a teacher training manual are available online and at no charge.

The program was created by the Curriculum Development Committee of the NJIIAHC, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) and meets all DOE curriculum standards.

The NJIIHC is distributing the program throughout New Jersey and NIAF is distributing it nationwide.

For more information and to register, visit https://www.niaf.org/curriculum/index.asp. To receive a free demo DVD, contact Molly Conti at mconti@niaf.org or 202/939-3107.

NIAF is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Visit www.niaf.org